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Treaty between Crown and First Nations marks 250th anniversary

Karis Bercier, left, traces the words "Our Rights" on a protest sign while organizer, Andrea Landry, right, talks on a megaphone during a small demonstration in Ottawa, marking the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. (Darren Brown/QMI Agency)

OTTAWA — National Chief Shawn Atleo says this is a time of "convergence or collision" with the federal government, and the outcome will depend on whether First Nations and the feds work as partners on natural resource projects.

The Conservative government has focused on the natural resource development industry and it is required to consult with First Nations ahead of approving those projects. That's where Atleo sees significant opportunity for First Nations.

Rather than be the subject of perfunctory consultations, Atleo said First Nations want to be true partners in the resource projects that could generate billions in revenue.

Atleo made the comments during a speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation — the document that established the constitutional relationship between the Crown and First Nations. He said there's still room for improvement in the relationship, but First Nations are well-positioned to see some positive changes.

"Our work today is about returning to approaches that recognize First Nations authority over our lives, our lands and our peoples," said Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. "Where First Nations governments are strong, the treaties are alive and honoured and treaty-making allows us to thrive."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the proclamation a "seminal document" in Canada's history and said the government's commitment to working with First Nations remains firm.

"This includes ongoing dialogue on the treaty relationship and comprehensive land claims," he said in a statement.

The Idle No More movement — which emerged in late 2012 with an overall agenda of improving life for aboriginals — commemorated the anniversary with a day of action.

Organizers planned 53 demonstrations across Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

Atleo said the Idle No More movement has momentum.

Coinciding with the anniversary is the arrival of James Anaya, the UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

The government has been cool toward UN observers checking up on Canada. The last time Canada's record on indigenous rights was looked at, the ensuing report was very critical.

This time around, Anaya will be looking to see what progress has been made to bridge the gap between the quality of housing, education and health care of aboriginals compared to non-aboriginals.